Aquilonastra
Aquilonastra is a genus of starfish in the family Asteriidae. It is a relatively small genus, with only a few described species. The genus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, with species occurring in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Common Names
Species in the genus Aquilonastra do not have widely recognized common names.
Characteristics
Aquilonastra starfish are characterized by their relatively small size and their distinctive five-rayed body. Their body is typically covered in spines, which can be arranged in different patterns depending on the species. The genus can be distinguished from other Asteriidae by the unique structure of their madreporite, a small, sieve-like opening on the aboral surface of the starfish.
Environments
Species in the genus Aquilonastra are typically found in shallow, rocky intertidal zones, often living among algae and seaweeds. Some species may occur in deeper waters, down to depths of several hundred meters.